Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Pakistan Ambassador and member Haj advisory committee Khan Hasham Bin Saddique visited Makkah to oversee the Haj arrangements.

The ambassador was received at the Main Control Office Azizia by Director Haj and other officers and officials of the Haj mission. Consul General of Pakistan Shehryar Akbar Khan also accompanied the ambassador.

Arshad Munir, consular (Press) at Consulate General Pakistan, said in a statement that the Ambassador first visited Mina for an orientation of the location of Pakistani makatab and prominent landmarks. The director (admin & transport) briefed his about the location of Pakistani makatab and the location of the pickets during the Mashaer days.

Later on the ambassador visited Muzdalifa and Arafat where he was shown the train stations and the location of train makatab. Director Haj explained that this year the Hujjaj from Pakistan would be provided fireproof tents, filtered water, three times meal, 10cm thick mattresses and toilets for special persons in Mina and Arafat.

The ambassador was then given a detailed briefing in the Main Control Office by Director Haj in the presence of consul general, director (F&C), director (A&T) and director (monitoring).

The briefing discussed the total number of Hujjaj in Makkah and Madinah, hospital OPD statistics, causality rate, number of buildings hired, caterers with Hujjaj distribution and transport deputed for salawat.

It was explained that due to the increase in quota and the re-entry of Iran into the market the rates are much higher than last year. However, the buildings hired by OPAP are at much lower rate than other countries.

The ambassador suggested that MoRA should go for the long term contracting and a proposal should be presented to the government for approval in this regard.

The ambassador later visited building No. 111 for getting first-hand information about the Hajis living there. The Hujjaj in the building expressed their satisfaction and shared with the ambassador a minor issue that had been resolved. In the start the caterer had some issues with the Pakistani roti but now it had improved a lot, they said.

The ambassador checked the roti (bread) himself and seemed satisfied with it. The ambassador later visited building 122 and had lunch with the Hujjaj and expressed satisfaction on the quality of food being served.

The Hujjaj also appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan government for providing all the necessary amenities at a very reasonable price unlike any other country. The Hujjaj were full of appreciation for the accommodation, transport and food being served within their buildings.

The ambassador distributed Haji gift packs among the Hujjaj of building 122 that included a blanket, prayer mat, muzdalifa mat and an inflatable pillow for Mashaer.

The Ambassador was told that these gift packs are from the owner of the building and all 107,526 government Hujjaj would be presented these gifts. The ambassador appreciated the efforts of OPAP.